Platform on concrete and steel in construction
Future Surfaces 2025 attracted around 550 visitors over two days. A relatively modest turnout. Nevertheless, visitors spoke positively about the first edition of this joint VOM and ION event association. It became clear that the quality of the discussions was good. It appeared that there was a need for a Benelux event and that both the content and networking opportunities received a good score.
Gill Vierstraete from Lakkerij De Linde thought it was a good move to combine the trade fair and conference. He used the breaks in the program to meet the exhibitors on the floor. “The conference part had a number of interesting presentations, especially in the field of corrosion. Some were scientific, some had a more marketing-oriented approach. When you've been in the business for a while, you don't always learn completely new things, but the level was good.” He thought the location and accessibility were excellent and sees a future in a next edition. “It's nice that Belgian and Dutch industry colleagues come together. In two years” time, they should organize it again, possibly with a slightly broader setup and a larger audience."
Eline Leeman from chemical nickel specialist Kanigen called the meeting “very interesting.” “It was great to gain insights from people who are in the same business but do things slightly differently. It got me thinking about whether their processes could also be applicable to us.” She was particularly interested in the section on sustainability. “We are constantly working on sustainability within our company, so I attended many lectures. The groups were sometimes small, but that also had advantages: the contact with the speaker was more direct and the sessions were more interactive.”
WRC participated in order to put wastewater management higher on the agenda. Markus Knecht: “WRC offers environmentally friendly recycling solutions for the surface treatment industry. We are not yet very well known, so we wanted to show visitors that there are alternatives to water management.” According to him, Future Surfaces proved to be a valuable step. “We still have a long way to go, but this event helps us get to know the market better. The foundation is solid. The most important thing is that it can grow.”
Mitchel IJpelaar of Esselent Solutions felt that there were perhaps too many topics mixed together. “Thematization can help visitors make more targeted choices. You have two days and two rooms: why not give each room its own theme? That way, visitors can spend a whole day attending relevant lectures.” Although he notes that certain themes—such as reducing wastewater—are not yet as urgent in the Benelux as in other countries, he clearly sees potential. “You can see that we as a sector can make each other stronger. Sharing knowledge is really relevant.”
Robpainting had a strong first day. Jan Willem Jansen was there with a spraying and sanding robot and secured several interesting leads. He sees a future for an event like Future Surfaces: “The Dutch and Belgian markets are getting to know each other better and often share the same customers. There is definitely room for a kind of mini-PaintExpo for the Benelux.”
The new event still has some way to go in actively encouraging participants to connect with each other, collaborate, and learn to look to the future. In addition, both the opening speech and the closing debate made it clear that “we must work together in the chain.” These are elements that VOM and ION would like to retain for the 2027 edition. The organization is also taking up new ideas. For example, they are looking at a more thematic structure, the content of the program, and the right balance between conference and trade show.
Piet De Schepper (Alural Group) and Stijn Tomsin (Sherwin-Williams) are the winners of the Rising Star Award and the Young Professionals Awards 2025, respectively.
De Schepper was awarded the Rising Star Award for his innovative closed water system for coating lines, which reuses 100% of process water, saving tens of thousands of liters every day. The jury called it “a technical and investment feat.”.
The Young VOM Voice Award went to Stijn Tomsin, renowned for his accessible style, professional attitude, and enthusiasm. He is considered a driving force within the Young VOM community.
In addition to the two winners, three other finalists stood on the podium:
They were assessed on innovation, impact, leadership, and measurable results by an international jury composed of representatives from VOM, Vereniging ION, and Young EFC.
VOM asbl is an active, technical trade association in the field of surface treatment of materials in Belgium. Currently, 260 companies have taken out membership. VOM brings together contractors and clients, integrated companies, suppliers of products or equipment, research centers, and universities.
Its mission is to disseminate general and technical information about all kinds of coating processes through networking activities, courses, training sessions, company visits, study days, publications, and networking events, as well as to represent our sector in industry and government. All disciplines of surface treatment, as well as the environment, safety, and quality, are covered extensively.
Association ION is the trade association for the surface treatment industry in the Netherlands. With respect for the past, we focus on the future from the present. We represent interests, communicate and inform, train, support, deepen, inspire, and connect. We do this for manufacturing companies, suppliers, and integrated companies with a coating department. Driven by sustainability, we color the world.
